Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, personality changes and panic attacks are all symptoms that may accompany fibromyalgia. They do not cause FM; in fact, they are more likely to be the result of it. According to Dr.Robert Bennett, a reknowned FM expert and researcher, the number of fibromyalgia patients who experience depression is no greater than for any other chronic illness.
Despite multiple studies proving fibromyalgia to be a very real physical illness, some patients still have to cope with healthcare professionals who persist in thinking it is primarily a psychiatric problem. However, the tide is turning. With the FDA approval of two medications to treat FM, more and more healthcare professionals are taking it seriously and learning how to treat it.
If you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any of the other mood disorders mentioned, be sure to talk with your doctor about it. Left untreated, these symptoms can actually exacerbate many of your other symptoms (e.g., Anxiety causes stress; stress contributes to pain, insomnia, increased fatigue, digestive problems, etc.) and seriously interfere with your quality of life.
